Jul 28, 2024, 12:00 AM
Jul 28, 2024, 12:00 AM

Rising Star Takes Center Stage in West End Production

Highlights
  • Paapa Essiedu, a British actor, discusses the demanding nature of his latest West End performance, including how physically taxing it is.
  • He shares insights on the intense emotions and dedication required for his role, which has led to moments of sweating profusely on stage.
  • Essiedu also reveals that he considered pursuing a career in medicine before fully committing to acting.
Story

Walthamstow native and Guildhall School of Music and Drama alumnus is set to captivate audiences in the West End with his performance in "Death of England: Delroy." This play, part of a state-of-the-nation trilogy by Clint Dyer and Roy Williams, showcases a 100-minute monologue that delves into the complexities of the character's life. The production, which premiered at the National Theatre, is now being performed together with its predecessors, highlighting the evolving narrative of contemporary British society. The actor reflects on the challenges of performing a solo piece, noting the intense focus required to maintain concentration throughout the lengthy monologue. He acknowledges the common distractions that can arise during performances but emphasizes his approach of compartmentalizing his character's emotions, allowing him to leave the role behind after each show. This method enables him to engage fully with the material without carrying the weight of the character into his personal life. He also shares his admiration for fellow actors, recalling a particularly enchanting experience performing alongside a talented co-star whose innate qualities left a lasting impression on him. This sense of camaraderie and respect within the acting community fuels his passion for the craft, which he only embraced later in life, around the age of 17. The actor's journey into the world of performance was sparked by a powerful experience watching "Don Juan in Soho," which ignited his passion for theatre. He recognizes the unique impact of both stage and screen, appreciating their ability to reach audiences far and wide, as evidenced by his travels to remote locations like a tiny island in Brazil.

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